Kick

The True Story of JFK's Sister and the Heir to Chatsworth

De: Paula Byrne

Narrado por: Antonia Beamish

Filled with a wealth of revealing new material and insight, the biography of the vivacious, unconventional - and nearly forgotten - young Kennedy sister who charmed American society and the English aristocracy and would break with her family for love.

Encouraged to be "winners" from a young age, Rose and Joe Kennedy's children were the embodiment of ambitious, wholesome Americanism. Yet even within this ebullient group of overachievers, the fourth Kennedy child, the irrepressible Kathleen, stood out. Lively, charismatic, extremely clever, and blessed with graceful athleticism and a sunny disposition, the alluring socialite fondly known as Kick was a firecracker who effortlessly made friends and stole hearts.

Moving across the Atlantic when her father was appointed as the ambassador to Great Britain in 1938, Kick - the "nicest Kennedy" - quickly became the family's star. Despite making little effort to fit in to British high society, she charmed everyone from the beau monde to Fleet Street with her unconventional attitude and easygoing humor. Growing increasingly independent, Kick would also shock and alienate her devout family by falling in love and marrying the scion of a virulently anti-Catholic family - William Cavendish, the heir apparent of the Duke of Devonshire and Chatsworth. But the marriage would last only a few months; Billy was killed in combat in 1944, just four years before Kick's own unexpected death in an airplane crash at 28.

Paula Byrne recounts this remarkable young woman's life in detail as never before, from her work at the Washington Times-Herald and volunteerism for the Red Cross in wartime England to her love of politics and astute, opinionated observations to her decision to renounce her faith for the man she loved. Sympathetic and compelling, Kick shines a spotlight on this feisty and unique Kennedy long relegated to the shadows of her legendary family's history.

©2016 Paula Byrne (P)2016 HarperCollins Publishers

Filling the backstory

Full of information that fills out the life of Kick Kennedy. I very much enjoyed this biography. My only issue was the awkward American pronunciation.

She was Overly Privileged but Didn't Realize It

Very interesting story however by the last several chapters it was apparent that she wanted everything her way or no way, while making it all seem legitimately okay. Though she was a very considerate, fun and loving person, she apparently was definitely in another universe... but did not seem to realize it. Plus, many of her friends, relatives and acquaintances enabled her to live in this self-absorbed reality.

The Kennedy Mystic

I adored the details of Joe and Rose Kennedy's marriage till the loss of Kick. knowing the history, I could anticipate each story. President John Kennedy is where I fell in love with politics. He has remained my favorite President. The details of the writer as presented kept me spell bound. Kathleen, I know about her life is a great joy for me.

Well done

Good history of Kathleen Kennedy Cavendish sister of JFK and her family. Very well done, narrator was excellent.

The Kennedy history

Much more depth of the Kennedy family tragedies _ very moving &honest and gives a glimpse into the lives of the wealthy _

The research author did.

The detailed information author provides. Her unbiased biography of Kick. Wording was well versed and easy to comprehend.

Narrator and story

Loved this story. Kick Kennedy displayed the courage of her convictions. She was a thinker and a reformer.

Discovering Kick Kennedy

I was ten when JFK was killed, watched his funeral on TV. Later I hoped Bobby would win the presidency and was devastated when he was killed. I had never heard about Kick until I read this book. A great tribute to a lovely human being!

Kick’s courage and audacity.

The pace was slow at times. Overall story was enjoyable. I am glad I read it.

Tragic Story

I loved this book, so interesting all the way through. My only complaint is when the narrator was speaking the American parts with an American accent; cringe worthy. Overall great story albeit with a very sad outcome.